Global Health and Safety
COVID-19 and Travel Permission
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Emory University has indefinitely suspended all official and previously authorized travel for faculty, students and staff. This restriction includes but is not limited to travel for university-related activities such as teaching, conferences, internships, recruiting, business meetings, and special events.
International travel for research purposes may be permitted, but any requests for approval of international travel must be made through the Executive Travel Safety Committee and submitted to global@emory.edu.
Requesting travel permission
Any requests for approval of international travel must be made through the Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC) by following these instructions.
Requests should include:
- The names of all proposed travelers and their Emory affiliation. Student information should include stage in academic program (e.g., second-year master's student).
- A description of the reason for the proposed travel.
- Itinerary information, including expected trip dates, planned destination(s), and anticipated activities.
- An explanation of why the proposed travel is essential and the steps taken to mitigate its potential risks.
- A letter of support from the relevant dean, executive vice president, senior vice president, or their designee.
Additional information may be requested. Faculty should submit requests directly. Staff requests must be submitted by the applicable executive vice president or senior vice president, or their designee. Student requests must be submitted by the student's dean.
Submit the request for international travel by emailing the information above to the Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC).
If you have any questions about these submission requirements, please contact the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives (GSI) at 404-727-7504 or global@emory.edu.
Travel alerts
You can find the latest information on destination-specific and worldwide travel alerts on the U.S. State Department website.
Emory also recommends that all travelers consult International SOS (ISOS), the university's international emergency assistance provider for all members of the Emory community who are traveling overseas. ISOS also provides the latest information on travel risks.
Local law enforcement and detainment
Please note that regardless of your citizenship, you are subject to local laws while traveling abroad, and your rights as a U.S. citizen may not extend to you outside the United States.
If you are detained by law enforcement, customs or immigration officials, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as well as Emory’s emergency contacts. If you are detained by political activists or terrorists, comply with their requests. ISOS and U.S. diplomatic resources will work to secure your return.
Health needs
Review immunization needs well in advance, allowing enough time for certain vaccines to take effect. Please visit Emory’s TravelWell Clinic to speak with a travel health professional regarding your itinerary. Obtain health insurance that can be used overseas.
- Finding a doctor abroad
- International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers
- Emory’s Office of Respect
Safety resources
Emergency Assistance
- ISOS
- Emory emergency response contact tree and evacuation procedures
- Find the nearest US embassy or consulate
Hotel Safety
Road Safety
- CDC's advice on road safety
- The Association for Safe International Road Travel
- US State Department advice on driving abroad
Liability Waiver
A liability waiver must be signed by any student embarking on Emory-sponsored travel abroad. If your program does not already have a program-specific waiver that has been reviewed and approved by Emory’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the form found at the link above can be used. Any changes made to this form, beyond filling in trip-specific information in the blanks provided, must be submitted to Chris Rapalje in the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives, who will obtain OGC review. This form is updated periodically, so please check back whenever planning a new trip. Completed waivers should be provided to an appropriate administrative official at the student’s school.
Educational Resources
Travel Awareness Briefing (60 minutes)
This webinar provides an overview of safety and security considerations for travelers. Guidance is provided on reducing personal risk as well as responding to security threats. Examples of topics covered include: research and preparation; cultural factors; financial security; hotel, taxi, and ground transportation considerations; and active shooter response. This webinar was designed with staff travelers in mind, but includes guidance, tips, and insights helpful for all.
Please login with your Emory NetID and password to view.
Student Travel Awareness Briefing (22 minutes)
This webinar provides guidance on staying safe while traveling. It discusses, for example, pre-travel preparations as well as tactics to reduce personal vulnerability while in transit and abroad. In addition, it provides guidance on how to respond to security threats, such as active shooter situations. This webinar was designed for students but is a helpful resource for all travelers.
Please login with your Emory NetID and password to view.
Traveling to and Working in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Every spring, travel preparedness training sessions are held for the Rollins School of Public Health’s (RSPH’s) Global Field Experience program and the Emory Global Health Institute’s (EGHI’s) Global Field Scholars program. The training is focused on work in low- and middle-income countries and covers a range of topics.
2019 Pre-Departure Training Workshop Recording (3 Hours)
RSPH and EGHI welcome participants from other programs to these training sessions. Please contact Sarah Harlan Zegeye for more information.